Schedule a Transfer Success Consultation
Want to know how to access and take advantage of transfer student specific resources? Schedule a transfer success consultation today!
Transfer Student Mentorship Program
The Transfer Student Mentorship Program through the Carolina Experience office is an opportunity for new transfer students to connect to USC, meet other new transfer students, and develop a mentee relationship with an upperclassman peer leader who has been trained to support new transfer students.
Visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to learn more about the process of transferring to the university. If you are admitted, we will meet you at orientation.
Admissions for Gamecock Gateway students planning to transfer to USC are also handled by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
We know how confusing the transition to a new university can be. That is why the Student Success Center has specific services for transfer students.
- Learn how to navigate campus life
- Get help developing your path towards graduation and beyond
- Gain academic skills to help you accomplish your educational goals
- Use campus resources to enrich your educational experiences
- Connect with transfer student organizations
We don't want to lose you, but we understand how important it is to find the academic environment that best suits you.
The Dean of Students Office can assist you If you are thinking about withdrawing from the university.
Transfer Welcome Series 2024
This month-long program is dedicated to helping new transfer students adjust to the university and feel welcomed and connected. Transfer Welcome 2024 will consist of more than 20 events that are designed for transfer students at USC but are open to all USC students.
Transfer students can get a Transfer Welcome 2024 punch card at nearly every Transfer Welcome event that is hosted by Carolina Experience or pick one up at the Carolina Experience office! Complete the punch card to win prizes! Go to 10 events and win a free T-shirt! Go to 13 events and win another great prize, such as a prize pack or a gift card to a local restaurant!
Don't worry if you lose your punch card! You can always get another one from the Carolina Experience office and the team can check your name on an attendance roster for MOST events. You'll fill out an attendance form at all in-person or virtual workshops. ID card scanners will be used at most outside events!
Completed punch cards must be turned into the Carolina Experience office by October 4, 2024 to claim prizes.
Questions? Drop The Transfer Success team an email at satran@mailbox.sc.edu
Find Your Class Tours
August 16
10 AM - 12 PM
Meet on the Mezz (top floor of the Thomas Cooper Library)
Join other new transfer students on this tour to find your way around campus! Sponsored by the Carolina Experience. RSVP Required!
Transfer Welcome Drop-In Hours
August 16
12 PM - 2 PM
Scholar’s Corner, Main Floor of Thomas Cooper Library
Have questions about USC? From how to get involved, what a tech platform is on campus, or anything in between we may have the answers. The Carolina Experience Peer Leader team (YOUR fellow USC students) will be around from 12pm-2pm to chat and help answer questions for you before the craziness of the first week next week. Stop in and chat! No formal program, we will just be here to answer questions! Sponsored by the Carolina Experience.
Transfer Welcome Lunch & Trivia
August 19
12 PM - 2 PM
Student Success Center Mezz (Top floor of the Thomas Cooper Library)
Transfer students to USC (both new and returning) are encouraged to join for a welcome lunch and trivia game! Come meet other transfer students and learn about opportunities to get connected on campus. Lunch is free but an RSVP is required. Optional- The SSC will open up our Gamecock School Supplies closet so new transfer students can get early access!
The lunch is hosted by the Carolina Experience and the Student Success Center and will take place in the SSC- top floor (Mezzanine level) of the Thomas Cooper Library. An RSVP is required.
Athletic Ticket How To Workshop
August 19
3 PM - 4 PM
Student Success Center (Top floor of the Thomas Cooper Library)
Join other new transfer students to learn how the student ticketing process works for sporting events at USC! Such as football! RSVP required.
Transfer Success Workshop #1
August 19
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Student Success Center (Top floor of the Thomas Cooper Library)
Transfer students know how to do college already, but they may need a little extra support in adapting to the large Columbia campus. This session will go over our top tips on how to succeed at USC and cover items that we hear from transfer students each year: common USC slang, common apps at USC, best places to study, where to eat on and off campus and more! Sponsored by the Carolina Experience. RSVP required.
Walking Together for First Night Carolina
August 19
Meet @ 5:45
Meet on the SSC Mezz (Top floor of the Thomas Cooper Library)
The traditional welcome event for all new students is First Night Carolina! New and returning transfer students can walk over to the First Night Carolina together and participate as a group. Just meet in the SSC (top floor of the Thomas Cooper Library) at 5:45pm to walk over together! Please RSVP
Get to Know the Library with Pelicans on the Patio
August 22
2 PM - 3 PM
Patio in front of Thomas Cooper Library
Have it made in the shade! Discover some of the services and resources the library offers—and enjoy a cool, delicious, refreshing Pelican’s SnoBall in the shade on the Thomas Cooper Library Patio! Hosted by University Libraries
Part-Time Job Fair
August 23
10 AM - 1 PM
Rusell House Ballroom
Thinking about a part-time in your second year of college? There are tons of opportunities both on and off campus and the Part Time Job Fair can help you learn about your options! Hosted by the Career Center. RSVP here
Navigating USC: Parking and Commuting Workshop
August 27
6 PM - 7 PM
Online Workshop
Living off campus? Trying to figure out where to park and how to get to campus everyday? We may not have all the answers, but we do have some tips for making a plan on how to navigate campus! Sponsored by the Carolina Experience. This event is also part of SophoMORE September.
Participate in a 1-on-1 Transfer Success Consultations
August 27 - September 20
Participate in a scheduled 1-on-1 Transfer Success Consultation with the Carolina Experience team! Make an appointment at go.sc.edu/transfersuccess |
Student Organization Fair
August 28
11 AM - 1 PM
Greene St
Your chance to learn about some of the 500+ student organizations on campus! Be sure to stop by the Association for Transfer Students (ATS) table to learn how to connect with other transfer students!
ATS Interest Meetings
Date, Time, Location TBA
Be sure to attend the first meeting of the year for Association of Transfer Students (ATS)! Learn how you can get involved and get connected at USC!
Plan On It Workshop
August 28
4 PM - 5 PM
Scholar’s Corner, Main Floor of Thomas Cooper Library
Science shows that writing things down- goals, notes, your schedule- helps you remember and achieve. Bring your own planner or get a free one in this interactive session and learn how to make best use of a planner and other writing tools! We’ll have all sorts of creative tools to help you!
Hosted by the Carolina Experience office and the Student Success Center. This event is also part of SophoMORE September.
Wellness and Recreation at USC Workshop
September 3
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Russell House 315 (ODK room)
Think you may want to get involved with intramural sports at USC? Use the fitness center? Take a cooking class or see a doctor for an illness while on campus? This workshop is going to run through all the ways that you can connect to the programs and services offered through USC! RSVP required.
Visioning Me at USC
September 4
11 AM - 2 PM
Davis Field II
Map out your vision for the 24-25 academic year! Stop by and make your personalized vision board! This event is hosted by Student Health and Well-Being.
Preparing for Upcoming Career Fairs Workshop
September 4
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Online Workshop
There are multiple fairs coming up to help students find internships and career opportunities. It is NOT too early to start attending these! Join us for this informative workshop to learn what to expect at a USC Career Fair and how to prepare. From just getting the lay of the land to actually talking with recruiters! We’ll cover these topics and more! Sponsored by the Carolina Experience and Career Center. This event is also part of SophoMORE September.
Transfer Craft Fun
September 5
4:30 PM - 5: 30 PM
Scholars Corner, Main Floor of Thomas Cooper Library
Join with other transfer students and show your artistic creativity during craft night! Good artistic skills are not an actual requirement. Sponsored by the Carolina Experience. RSVP required.
How to Land an Internship Workshop
September 11
4 PM - 5 PM
Russell House 315 (ODK room)
Internships can be a really important and valuable part of the college experience. How do you get one? Join us to hear from experts in the Career Center about the internship process. RSVP to get the meeting link. Sponsored by the Carolina Experience and the Career Center. This event is also part of SophoMORE September.
Transfer Success Workshop #2
September 12
4 PM - 5PM
Rusell House 203
Transfer students know how to do college already, but they may need a little extra support in adapting to the large Columbia campus. This session will go over our top tips on how to succeed at USC and cover items that we hear from transfer students each year: common USC slang, best places to study, where to eat on and off campus and more! Sponsored by the Carolina Experience. This is a repeat of the workshop offered in August! RSVP required.
Transform Your Transfer Year-Get Connected and Involved on Campus
September 16
3 PM - 4PM
Leadership and Service Center (2nd floor of Russell House)
Want to get connected and involved while at USC? Join in for this fun discussion to learn all the ways that you can get involved and engaged with the USC community! We’ll talk student organizations, community service, leadership programs and more! Sponsored by the Carolina Experience and the Leadership and Service Center. RSVP required.
Thriving in Off-Campus Workshop
September 16
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Online Workshop
Living off campus? Concerned about how to manage the commute, stay safe, get along with your neighbors and more? Hear from staff and upperclassmen on how to thrive while living off campus! Hosted by the Carolina Experience and the Leadership and Service Center. This event is also part of SophoMORE September. RSVP required.
What's App-enning Workshop
September 19
6 PM - 7PM
Online Workshop
Want to get connected and involved while at USC? Join in for this fun discussion to learn all the ways that you can get involved and engaged with the USC community! We’ll talk student organizations, community service, leadership programs and more! Sponsored by the Carolina Experience and the Student Success Center. This event is also part of SophoMORE September.
National Transfer Student Week
Save the Date! Celebrating Transfer Students October 21-24, 2024. See the full schedule of events below!
Sweet on Transfers
11 AM - 2 PM | Davis Field I
Transfer students are encouraged to stop by the Student Success Center table on Davis Field to pick up a sweet treat, talk to Carolina Experience staff and learn more about resources for and opportunities for transfer students! Hosted by the Carolina Experience Office as a part of National Transfer Student Week.
Transfer Student Fall Fest Social
6 PM - 8 PM | RHUU Ballroom A
All transfer students are invited to join in for pumpkin painting, food, and other fall fun! Sponsored by the Association of Transfer Students, Tau Sigma Honor Society, and the Carolina Experience Office. An RSVP is required.
Reserve Your Spot! (RSVP LINK)
Sweet on Transfers
11 AM - 2 PM | Davis Field 1
Transfer students are encouraged to stop by the Student Success Center table on Davis Field to pick up a sweet treat, talk to Carolina Experience staff and learn more about resources for and opportunities for transfer students! Hosted by the Carolina Experience Office as a part of National Transfer Student Week.
Getting the Most Out of Your Time on Campus Workshop
4 PM - 5 PM | RHUU 203
Getting engaged and connected to campus with meaningful experiences can help you build a robust My USC Experience transcript and earn Graduation with Leadership Distinction. Come and learn more about exploring opportunities on campus and how GLD works! Hosted by the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning and the Carolina Experience. An RSVP is required.
Reserve Your Spot! (RSVP LINK)
Exploring Internships and Co-Ops at USC
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Virtual Workshop
Thinking about internships and what career planning you should be doing after you transfer? Join us to hear from experts from the Career Center on what to do now that you are at USC! Hosted by the Career Center and the Carolina Experience. An RSVP is required.
Reserve Your Spot! (RSVP LINK)
Acedmic Success at USC Workshop
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Virtual Workshop
Need help preparing for classes and sharpening your study skills? Join for this session full of tips and advice for a successful academic semester. Hosted by the Student Success Center and the Carolina Experience. An RSVP is required.
Reserve Your Spot! (RSVP LINK)
Spring 2024 Transfer Winter Welcome Series
Five events for transfer students as they start at USC! Attend 3 of the 5 events (must sign in) and be entered into a drawing to win a prize pack!
Monday, January 8 @ 12 PM - 2 PM
Tuesday, January 9 @ 10 AM - 12 PM
Wednesday, January 10 @ 3 PM - 5 PM
Thomas Cooper Library
SSC staff will be available to chat about what to do and what NOT to do as you start the new spring semester! Grab a doughnut and a beverage while you are chatting! Free and no RSVP needed! Hosted by the Student Success Center.
Thursday, January 11 @ 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Student Success Center - Mezzanine, Thomas Cooper Library
USC is excited that you have joined the Carolina family! Join us for a transfer student welcome dinner to meet other transfer students and learn about opportunities to get connected on campus. There will also be trivia with prizes! Transfer student welcome packets and academic planners will be available for each participant while supplies last! Dinner is FREE, but RSVP is required. Please RSVP here. Hosted by the Student Success Center.
Reserve Your Spot! (RSVP LINK)
Wednesday, January 17 @ 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Student Success Center - Mezzanine, Thomas Cooper Library
Join with other transfer students and show your artistic creativity during craft night! Good artistic skills are not an actual requirement. This is free but an RSVP is required. Please RSVP here. Hosted by the Student Success Center.
Reserve Your Spot! (RSVP LINK)
Thursday, January 18 @ 6 PM, Online
Living off campus? Trying to figure out where to park and how to get to campus every day? We may not have all the answers, but we do have some tips for making a plan on how to navigate campus! Please note that meeting link may not be sent if you register less than 2 hours before the event. This is free but an RSVP is required. Please RSVP here to get the meeting link. Hosted by the Student Success Center.
Reserve Your Spot! (RSVP LINK)
Thursday, January 25 @ 11 AM - 2 PM
Greene Street
Stop by the Association of Transfer Students table to learn more about the organization and how to get involved! Be sure to sign the sign-in sheet at the ATS table!
Transfer Student Organizations
Tau Sigma is a national honor society designed exclusively to "recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students”.
Tau Sigma membership is by invitation only.
If you are a transfer student to the USC Columbia Campus, was enrolled in 12 or more credit hours during your first semester, and have achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher during your first semester, be on the lookout for an invitation to join Tau Sigma.
The Association of Transfer Students is a student organization for transfer students created by transfer students. The purpose of the Association of Transfer Students is to assist transfer students as they transition to the University of South Carolina and foster a community that will support them academically, socially, and emotionally.
Connect with the Association of Transfer Students on Garnet Gate
Additional Resources for Transfer Students
Transfer Student FAQ's
Log into Self Service Carolina, click the Account Information tab. From there, you will see options to view/print your bill and options to pay your bill.
Parking can definitely be unique at USC, but luckily, the Parking and Transportation Services offer a variety of options. A well-used option are metered spots which are available throughout campus. They are first-come, first-served and require self-pay. Another option is to consider purchasing a general parking permit which will allow you to park at designated lots. Garage parking is an option, but some garages require purchase of a pass while others charge hourly (e.g. Bull St. Gate 3, Pendleton). Visit the Parking and Transportation Services website to learn more.
There are a number of meal plan options available to students at different price points! You can see information about the options on the Dining website. You can then add the plan that you may want in Self-Service Carolina.
As an incoming transfer student, you may have the option to live on or off campus. Please be aware that on-campus housing fills very fast and the application typically opens beginning November.
Registering for classes is an online process completed via Self Service Carolina. You must first be advised by your USC academic advisor and have any holds removed from your account before registering. Visit the University Registrar website for steps on registering for classes.
Yes, all USC Columbia students must have health insurance. You have the option to stay enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan or you can waive the plan if you choose to use your own health insurance. You must submit proof of your own health insurance to opt out. For more information, visit the Student Health Services website.
Yes! The COMET is the operating campus transit and is free with your Carolina Card. There are 30 locations across the Columbia campus with 10 daytime routes and two evening routes. Visit the Parking and Transportation Services website for more information as well as availability dates and times.
As a USC student, you are eligible for student ticketing if you meet the following criteria:
- University of South Carolina-Columbia Students enrolled in 12+ hours
- University of South Carolina Undergraduate Students taking 6+ hours who paid the Athletic Events Fee to the Bursar by January 23
- Graduate students taking at least 1 hour are eligible to pay the Athletic Event Fee to the Bursar by January 23
Visit the Student Ticketing website for more information.
SO MUCH! Use your Carolina Card to access many buildings on campus such as the gym and the library, parking garages, and your meal plan if applicable. It can also be used for printing in the library. You should always have your Carolina Card on you if you are on campus!
Free tutoring is offered to students through the Student Success Center (SSC). Call the SSC or make an appointment via Navigate. You can also look into Supplemental Instruction, writing support and so much more in the SSC! All for FREE!
The Student Success Center has a website dedicated to helping you navigate life at USC as a transfer student. The SSC hosts events for transfer students and there is even a transfer student success consultation available! There are two student organizations just for transfer students and many more resources!
Utilize the course equivalency table on the Registrar's website as well as Degree Works, which shows you your personal graduation plan. Additionally, check in with your advisor to make sure your credits are accounted for.
Handshake is the web platform that USC uses to post job advertisements for both on and off campus jobs. Visit the link below, log in with your USC credentials, and view all there is! It is strongly recommended that you create your Handshake account early after arrival at USC and be sure to make an appointment with the Career Center to talk about your plans!
First take time to research what Fraternity and Sorority life is like here at the University of South Carolina. Make sure you are aware of all the benefits and responsibilities (e.g. costs, time commitment) that come with it. Recruitment/Membership Intake varies among each council. Visit the Fraternity and Sorority Life website to learn more.
Garnet Gate is the university's online home for hundreds of campus organizations. Log in and view all the organizations the campus has to offer! If you are a transfer student we recommend joining the Association of Transfer Students (ATS).
Transfer Champions
The Transfer Champion program provides recognition to USC faculty and staff who have made a positive impact on a transfer student's experience while at USC. Transfer students are encouraged to recognize faculty/staff on the USC campus who they would like to thank for their support and the SSC will send them a personalized thank you note!